The Ultimate Guide to Building a Turkey Trap: Catching Wild Turkeys with a 50-Gallon Drum

Introducing the a STEAM-packed Thanksgiving read full of turkey trouble and fun~ featured in the MaiStoryBook Library Collection:

* Purchase “How to Catch a Turkey” by clicking this link, and start your own reading journey! (This is an affiliate link; a portion of the purchase will help MaiStoryBook continue to provide early readers.) ).

With a hilarious turn of events that ensures *no turkeys were harmed*, the Thanksgiving Play might just make it! The main character is loose in the school on this day of the play! Will the students be able to capture the turkey before the curtain call? Join them as they dash through the cafeteria, race through the library, and storm the classrooms in an attempt to find the turkey!

This book combines STEAM concepts and action-packed, silly illustrations to create a memorable Thanksgiving read aloud. The amusing illustrations will make readers laugh aloud, and the rhyming text makes for a catchy read-aloud. This book is perfect for young students ages 4 and up.

The allure of catching a wild turkey can be irresistible, especially during hunting season While laws and regulations must be considered, the prospect of a delicious Thanksgiving feast or the thrill of a successful capture can be tempting This guide explores the infamous “turkey trap” using a 50-gallon drum, a simple yet effective method for catching these elusive birds.

The 50-Gallon Drum Trap: A Simple and Effective Method

The 50-gallon drum trap relies on the turkey’s natural curiosity and foraging instincts Here’s how to build and use this trap:

  1. Bait the Drum: Place crushed corn inside the drum, ensuring it’s readily visible from the top opening.
  2. Position the Drum: Place the drum in an area frequented by turkeys, preferably near their feeding grounds.
  3. Monitor and Replenish: Check the trap regularly, replenishing the corn as needed.
  4. Capture the Turkey: After a few days of baiting, flip the drum over. The turkey, unable to see the new opening, will likely walk in and become trapped.

Tips for Success:

  • Location is Key: Place the trap in an area where turkeys are actively feeding or roosting.
  • Timing is Everything: Begin baiting the drum a few days before flipping it to attract the turkeys.
  • Camouflage the Trap: Cover the drum with natural materials to blend it into the surroundings.
  • Be Patient: It may take several days for a turkey to enter the trap.

Addressing Concerns:

  • Legality: Always check local regulations regarding turkey trapping. Some areas may have restrictions or require permits.
  • Deer Interference: Deer may be attracted to the corn, potentially interfering with the trap. Consider using a deer-resistant feeder or placing the trap in a less deer-populated area.
  • Humane Treatment: Once captured, handle the turkey humanely and release it if not intended for consumption.

Alternatives to the 50-Gallon Drum Trap:

  • Trench Trap: Dig a narrow trench, just wide enough for a turkey to enter but not spread its wings. Bait the bottom of the trench and the turkey will become trapped.
  • Net Trap: Use a large net to capture turkeys as they feed or roost. This method requires more active participation and may be more challenging.

The 50-gallon drum trap offers a simple and effective way to catch wild turkeys. By following the instructions and addressing potential concerns, you can increase your chances of success. Remember to prioritize ethical trapping practices and respect local regulations. With patience and a bit of ingenuity you can experience the thrill of catching a wild turkey using this time-tested method.

*My Turkey Trap* Craft

This book is bursting with STEAM concepts and inspiration on every page! This read-aloud is the perfect starting point for inspiring students to create and design their own turkey-catching traps! With school supplies all around them, the students in the pictures create a variety of contraptions to try and catch the turkey! To get creative ideas for your amazing *Turkey Traps*, check out this bookish craft that was inspired by the story! If you can involve young children in the construction process, encourage them to use real tools and resources from the classroom or at home!

how to make turkey trap

Materials

how to make turkey trap

Directions

  • Choose a “Turkey Cover Label” template. There are colored and black and white versions. “How _____ Catches a Turkey” and “How to Catch a Turkey” are the headings; the former is impersonal.
  • If you went with the black and white version, add your name to the spaces to make the craft exclusively yours. Ex) “How __Maya__ Catches a Turkey” .
  • After cutting out the Turkey Cover Label Template, fold it in half by following the dotted line.
  • Next, choose a *Turkey Body Template*. There are colored versions, or black-and-white versions .
  • Response templates that differentiate between written responses only, written and picture responses, and picture responses only are also available.
  • Fill in the blank response template with a description of your turkey trap, your approach to capturing the bird, or your thorough plan for capturing the turkey.
  • If you chose black and white, color it in.
  • Cut out the Turkey Body template.
  • To connect the response template’s body with the body template, attach the Cover Label where it reads “GLUE.”
  • The turkey neck on the cover label and the turkey neck on the body template should have the same bottom.
  • Lift the flaps to reveal your plan and/or trap for capturing the turkey. Close the flaps to show off your turkey craft!.

Traditional Wild Turkey Trap Homemade

FAQ

What do turkeys eat?

Wild turkeys are opportunistic foragers and can eat a wide variety of leaves, grass, seeds, berries, insects, worms, snails, frogs, and small reptiles. This allows them to thrive in a variety of natural habitats. They also can inhabit residential areas, particularly where they are being fed.

Leave a Comment